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1997 Toyota Supra: Samurai in gloss black

9/17/2014

 
PicturePhoto: W. Orgera
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1997 Toyota Supra owned by William Orgera

WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
With some Japanese cars setting records at the recent Monterey Car Week auctions, it's clear that enthusiasts are turning their attention to the Far East.  Toyota enthusiasts still lament the decision to end production of the Supra, sold in the U.S. from 1979 until 1998.  As a result, these older models are moving up in the collectability rankings.  Orgera’s sleek, black coupe has only 46,000 miles, removable roof panels and engine upgrades taking it to 600 horsepower.  “The Supra is a well-known car in the import industry and is often praised for its great performance and looks,” he says. 

HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2007

WHERE HE FOUND IT
A nearby owner advertised it in the local newspaper.

CONDITION
Orgera recites a list of well over two dozen modifications to the Supra.  “The car has all original paint minus the custom bumper, side skirts and rear wing,” he says.  “The fuel system has been upgraded with stainless steel braided lines and is running dual pumps in the tank.  The interior has been converted to all black, with brand new Sparco (racing) seats and harnesses for the road course.”  Drag racing tires contain the high horsepower and upgraded brakes increase the stopping power. 

TIPS FOR OWNERS
“If you have a budget, usually double it because nothing is ever a smooth and easy operation,” Orgera advises.  “But it is always worth it in the end and always rewards me with a large smile on my face.”

VALUE
“The car is priceless to us and hopefully will never have to be sold and will remain in the family,” he says.  The NADA Guides places a “clean retail” value of $22,925 on an unmodified 1997 Supra and has not yet placed it in the classic car category.

THE BOTTOM LINE
“This car is a family project,” Orgera says. “It was purchased by my father and me to bond and attended car shows. We sat down and planned each part of the build together. I have people follow me, asking questions and mistaking it with a brand new car, because it looks as clean, if not cleaner, as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. My dad and I often cruise with it and enjoy it together, and I hope to pass it down to my son in the future.”


1980 Toyota Land Cruiser: A 'Cool' SUV

6/27/2014

 
PictureClick to enlarge (Photo: E. Maloney)
THE TRUCK AND ITS OWNER 
1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
owned by Ed Maloney

WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
Long before they morphed into posh suburban transportation, Toyota Land Cruisers were making history worldwide for their ruggedness and amazing off-road capabilities.  According to the manufacturer, the Land Cruiser’s origins go back to 1951 with the introduction of Toyota’s Jeep-like BJ series. The highly popular FJs were offered between 1960 and 1984 in markets around the globe.  They later became so coveted and Collectible that the company introduced a modern-day imitation, the retro-style FJ Cruiser, which has been sold since 2005.  Gentleman’s Quarterly magazine has cited the earlier FJ as one of the “coolest” collectible SUVs, calling it “the most classic of Cruisers” and “a plusher version of the military original.”  The magazine notes that many have traveled over 300,000 miles before needing an overhaul. In the brutal 1980 road rally from Paris to Dakar, Senegal, eight Land Cruisers were among 105 vehicles that completed the entire 6,000-mile
route.

HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 1996

WHERE HE FOUND IT
He bought it from an owner in Riverhead, New York.

CONDITION
“The truck has been highly modified for off-road,” Maloney says. “It has a winch, 35-inch tires, a snorkel, lockers front and rear, off-road lights and custom racks.”  The snorkel relocates the engine air intake higher to keep out water, mud and dust.  Lockers are locking differentials that allow the pairs of wheels to drive in unison and increase traction.

TIPS FOR OWNERS
“It helps if you have a mechanical background when you own a vehicle like this,” he  advises.  “I have a couple of friends who do most of the work on the truck.”  

VALUE
“It’s hard to say, since it’s been so highly modified,” says Maloney.  It’s probably between $15,000 and $20,000.”  The NADA Guides puts a “high retail” value of $17,400 on a 1980 Land Cruiser before options.  Restoration shops specializing in the FJs bring them back to like-new condition and charge about $80,000 a copy.  

THE BOTTOM LINE 
“Toyota FJ40s in stock condition are highly sought-after,” Maloney says. “Mine’s been modified to suit my needs and it's just a lot of fun to drive.”

    MODERN RIDES >
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    Author

    David Fluhrer has been the classic car columnist for Newsday since 2008, and a new car reviewer for Newsday's auto section since 2018. 

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